Panasonic holds hiring events for Riverbend facility

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- More information has become available about career opportunities at the $750 million dollar Riverbend solar cell factory being built in South Buffalo.

Monday, New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said the factory should go on-line by the end of the summer.

Panasonic is holding information sessions starting Tuesday evening for those interested in learning about job opportunities at the new plant.

The first is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Seneca Babcock Community Center, at 1168 Seneca Street. The second is the following Tuesday, July 18 at 10 a.m. at Erie Community College's North Campus, 6205 Main Street in Williamsville, in room 100 of Building K.

There are opportunities for technicians, engineers, team leaders, shift supervisors, supply chain, and production positions.

Panasonic will hold a hiring event Wednesday, July 26 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Buffalo Employment and Training Center (BETC), 77 Goodell Street in Buffalo. Check in will be held from 5:30 to 6 p.m., a presentation will then run from 6 to 6:30 p.m., and onsite screening will last from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In December, Panasonic, a Japanese electronics company, announced plans to begin producing photovoltaic cells and modules at the Buffalo factory under development by SolarCity Corp., a California-based solar panel company owned by the U.S. electric car maker Tesla.